"But a lot of those overdoses are unintentional and part of International Overdose Awareness Day is to highlight that it isn't necessarily people using illicit drugs that die from overdoses.

"Our prescription drugs can be just as dangerous if not taken the way they are prescribed," Ms McInnes added.

International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) is a key remembrance event marked across the world for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses.

The day has been established to highlight that overdose deaths are preventable and provide an occasion for anyone who has lost a loved one through an overdose to grieve in a supportive environment without shame or self-reproach.

"The fact that hundreds of Australians die from overdoses every year - including from prescription medications - means the message is not getting through to the public," said Ms McInnes, who conducts Drug and Alcohol Clinics in Far West NSW.

"Painkillers and other medications play an important medical role but their incorrect use can have tragic long-term consequences.

"There is a growing number of people who die because of an overdose related to prescription medication - either taking too much of it or taking it in combination with other drugs or alcohol," Ms McInnes continued.

Tips to safely manage your medications

Guidelines from NSW Health to safely manage medications include trying to see the same doctor or medical centre for medications and reviewing all medications with your GP every six months.

Having prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy is also prudent.

"Using the same pharmacist to get your script filled is a good idea because your medications will be on record and pharmacists are very good at being able to pick up any adverse reactions between medications," Ms McInnes said.

"Keeping an up to date record of what your current medications are - including the dose and how frequently you take it - in your wallet or purse is also recommended.

"Part of International Overdose Awareness Day is that if anyone wants to pay tribute to somebody close to them who has died because of an overdose there is a website that can facilitate that," Ms McInnes added.